Rio R.
Yelp
I finally made it out to Garlic Bulgogi on Badera to see what all the fuss is about. The place is clean and organized, though the partitions in the dining area make it feel a bit smaller and tighter than the more open layout this place used to have before it became Garlic Bulgogi. Still, they do a good job of keep things tidy and welcoming.
The service was a highlight: two staff members (an older woman and a young gentleman) were both warm, attentive, and always ready with a smile. They really rescued our experience because honestly, some of the dishes felt a little underwhelming compared to what we're used to. If I were the owner, I'd definitely be proud of their hospitality.
A little background...having lived and worked in NY/NJ, I'm accustomed to top-tier, authentic Korean food (Fort Lee and Leonia NJ, Korea town in NYC, etc.), so my standards are shaped by that.
The spicy seafood tofu soup wasn't really spicy and lacked some of that deep umami flavor I expect in Korean tofu stews (oh gee,
I'm missing SoKong Dong). The shrimp tempura udon was solid, but just kind of "there" rather than something I'd crave to order again. Tha jalapeño popper appetizer was small, yes, but tasty...they did something a bit different with the presentation that made the plate look more generous and creative than ordinary.
A couple other observations: we didn't see many Asian diners when we were there
(except for us) maybe flavor expectations or marketing are keeping authenticity seekers away. Also, asking for extra banchan came with a charge, which felt pretty odd for a Korean place. The complimentary probiotic drink after the meal was a nice touch, though not enough to shift my overall impression. Chas Market in San Antonio still wins for me when I want truly satisfying traditional Korean fare.
Summing it all up, Garlic Bulgogi has some strong points, friendly service, clean space (including the bathroom, it's a trek down the winding hallway to the bathroom), some creative presentation. But I'd love to see them lean harder into bold, authentic flavors, and embrace more of the traditional ways of cooking and serving. If they do that this place could really shine and I'd finally add two more stars for a perfect Yelp review.